Carole Middleton has opened up on her “biggest fear” about losing Princess Kate. Carole, the mother of Princess Kate, is celebrating her 69th birthday today, January 31 and has addressed her relationship with her daughter previously.

Speaking to the Telegraph in December 2018, Carole – who is mum to the Princess of Wales and her other daughter Pippa – shared just how important her family is to her, and even let slip one fear that she has surrounding them – especially her three children.

She said: “My biggest fear [as her offspring grew up] was that I’d lose my family, but we’ve stayed close.” She went on: “There are times when they say, “Can you do this, or that?” and I can’t quite. But they like the fact that I work.”

All four are expected to be hands-on in helping the Waleses navigate the next few months as the princess recovers from abdominal surgery. In fact, when Kate first went to hospital earlier this month, her family were said to be quick to rally, clearing their diaries to help out however they could.

Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told HELLO! Magazine earlier this month: “The Middletons are a really close family and Carole is a very hands-on grandmother, and I’m sure she will be at the helm. She often picks the kids up.”

And she went on: “Pippa has children of her own now, but I’m sure she will help by offering to have the kids round for tea and that kind of thing.”

She said: “My biggest fear [as her offspring grew up] was that I’d lose my family, but we’ve stayed close. There are times when they say, “Can you do this, or that?” and I can’t quite. But they like the fact that I work.”

Subtlety mentioning Prince William and James Matthews, Carole added: “I have two lovely sons-in-laws.”

James Matthews is her youngest daughter Pippa’s husband, who she married in 2017.

She even subtly mentioned that she hoped to find a “lovely daughter-in-law” one day, with this wish since coming true after her son James married Alizee Thevenet in 2021. They welcomed their first child, a boy named Inigo, in October 2023.

Discussing parenthood, Carole revealed how much she loves being a “hands-on” mother – as well as grandmother.

As well as being close to her daughter Kate, Carole has also gained a close bond with her son-in-law.

Previously speaking to OK! magazine, royal expert Rachael Andrew discussed how William is able to “confide” in his in-laws.

Stating that William “looks up to” Kate’s parents, clearly seeing them a perfect addition to the family.

Ms Andrew stated that William admires the way Carole and Michael bought up Kate and her two younger siblings, with this reflected in his own “down-to-earth” parenting.